Victory in the inaugural Topham-Barnes BSHA Home Produced Amateur Championship at the Royal International Horse Show at Hickstead marked a special milestone for Pippa James, who has only been partnered with her horse, Oaktree Dance After Dark, since November.

Describing herself as “a true amateur”, the Pippa said the title reflected everything she had invested in producing her horse herself while juggling family life and a full-time career.

“It means a lot,” said Pippa. “I really am home-produced – I do everything myself.”

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Unlike many competitors who travel with a team, Pippa is usually on her own at shows, with family commitments meaning support is often needed elsewhere.

“I’m at the shows on my own most of the time because I’ve got two little boys, so I have to rely on my helper to be at home rather than at the show with me,” she explained. “They’re actually here with me today though, and I’m not sure if that’s more work or not!”

Pippa combines showing with running her own business as a chiropractor with her horse and family.

“It’s a lot of work,” she admitted. “This is my only horse, and we’ve got two little ponies for my boys, so it’s still enough to keep us busy.”

This partnership is also a relatively new one. Having bought tOaktree Dance After Dark in November, the pair are spending their first season learning about each other.

“I get up every day for him,” she said. “This is our first season together.”

Pippa also revealed she had not competed in showing since childhood, when she took part in working hunter pony classes, making her return to the sport something of a steep learning curve.

“I haven’t shown since I was a kid,” she said. “This is my first proper horse showing season, and I’m trying to get through the learning curve as quickly as possible.”

Pippa praised Oaktree Dance After Dark’s attitude but acknowledged that there had been challenges along the way.

“He’s great,” she said. “He doesn’t really know what he’s doing, but at the same time he’s not the easiest, so I’m definitely having to figure him out as we go along. I guess he’s figuring me out as well.”

Developing trust and understanding has been one of the biggest priorities throughout this season.

“I suppose it’s like any new horse,” she said. “You just get to know what they might or might not be bothered by. It’s all part of learning the game, really.”

The introduction of a dedicated home-produced amateur championship has been welcomed by many riders who balance competition with careers, families and producing their own horses without professional yards behind them.

“It means a lot,” said Pippa. “I really do everything myself.”

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